So I decided to continue this after watching the follows and alerts appear. I am super excited about this and have been playing with this chapter. It's going to seem rather strange about halfway through. There is a reason for that, so look at the author's note at the end. Constructive reviews only. Flames will be used to make delicious s'mores. Mmmmm...s'mores

Additionally, I am working on another story right now. Well, heavy revision really. So updates will be slow for a while as that one is my main priority. It is a story I started about ten years ago and then dropped for a long time because of circumstances in my life. I picked it back up a few months ago and owe it to my readers to finish :)

Also, holy crap, the season premiere last night was just so good!

Reviewer Appreciation Time!

Emberka-2012: I enjoy writing stubborn characters. It's nice to put into words things I myself would have difficult saying, ya know?

MarionArnold: I couldn't figure out a way to end it as a one-shot since I've never done one. Of course, part of me thinks that really just means I didn't want it to just be a one-shot. :)

Guest: whoever you are, I am so glad you like my depiction of him. I do like that he mellows out a bit once they get to the farm. I completely attribute that to him being away from Merle who seemed to have a heavy and negative influence on him

Jerseygirl9766: Yay, I like your vote! Here's another chapter :)

ThornRose16: Thank you for saying that :) He's a bit tame in this chapter, but I like that you never really know what you're going to get with him when you watch him on the show. :)

Kathleensmiles: Continue I shall! And I am glad you enjoyed the first chapter

MeggieMingMing: lol, so much excitement! I am glad you like it :D

Leyshla Gisel: Here it is :D A story I shall make

Smkelover: I am glad you enjoy it thus far :)

Gypsykl79: I have decided to continue, and am glad you like how it started :)

Chapter 2: Spitfire

The first thing she saw upon opening her eyes was a young boy standing over her.

Craning her neck to get a better look at him, she observed him as he stared at her openly. When their eyes connected, he jumped back a bit, embarrassed to be caught. His body was turned away from her slightly, and she could tell he was struggling with the decision on whether or not to scurry out the exit. Wanting to lessen the tension, she looked away from him and allowed her eyes to scan the tent. She saw another bed on the opposite side that was not currently in use, but she spied a pillow with a white pillow case that had flowers interspersed throughout it. It wasn't exceedingly girly, more of an old fashioned pillow case. So it must have belonged to an older woman at some point. Sliding her eyes over to the boy, she saw that he was leaning down at the foot of her bed to grab something. Familiarity. He stayed in here then. The other bed. His mother's? Or someone who filled a maternal role in his life if she no longer lived.

"Nice place you got here," she drawled in a raspy voice. The boy's head popped back up and she saw that he had dropped whatever he had been fiddling with beforehand and now held a bottle of water. He cracked a tiny smile at her light and somewhat sarcastic comment as he stepped forward and reached his arm out to her. Moving slowly, she grasped the bottle and nodded at him.

"Thank you," she murmured before taking slow and cautious sips. Twisting the cap back on, she made to push herself up slowly to determine what kind of shape she was in this time. The boy looked uncertain as he watched her, feeling as if he was being intrusive but still curious as to the newcomer. He watched the woman push herself up with struggling arms but determination in her eyes. The effort that it took showed as she breathed out slowly and put a hand to her stomach. Flashing her eyes up the boy, he was startled when he saw her lips lift into a small smile.

"So, what do ya think, doc? Am I gonna make it?" she teased and he smiled at the woman who was obviously trying so hard to make the situation as comfortable as she could even though he was the one who was invading her space.

"Carl?"

The woman watched as the boy's smile dropped and his head flew towards the entrance of the tent. Still bracing herself into a sitting position, she waited until the flap of the tent was basically ripped open and a wide-eyed, slender woman flew inside. Breathing with relief, she crossed over to him and knelt down in front of him, grasping his arms gently.

"Carl, you can't wander off like that. We don't know yet how safe it is here, or how long it will stay that way, okay?"

She watched the woman with lowered eyes, not wanting to eavesdrop on the conversation. Mother it is, then,she thought with a smirk as her eyes drifted back to the pillowcase. It suited the woman as she took in the modest white tank top, blue jeans that were rolled up almost to her knees, brown boots and a long sleeved blue shirt wrapped around her waist. Light, casual, easy to move around and breathe in. She remembered when the infection was first making its waves and she had seen some women still holding onto their femininity, packing their cars with large suitcases and wearing heels. She remembered shaking her head as she realized they still clung to the hope that their would be a cure within no time and that perhaps the infection would never touch their lives. She couldn't decide at the time if she envied them of that or if she thought they were truly stupid.

"I'm sorry if he was bothering you," the woman's soft voice broke through her reverie and she realized that the boy, Carl, was nowhere in sight. Shaking her head to rid herself of the fuzziness that still plagued her upon waking, she glanced up at the woman who now stood closer to her with her hands behind her and placed on her hips, her elbows pointing back.

"He wasn't doin' any harm," she assured her, trying to push herself into a more comfortable position. She watched the mother absently nod before sitting on the side of the bed and hesitantly reaching out towards her right arm.

"Mind if I-," she petered off, not finishing her question. Holding her arm out in front of her, she twisted it so her palm faced up and so her caretaker could take a look at the bandages that covered the length of it. The woman immediately began to lift up the corners and check the wounds that they must have cleaned when she was unconscious.

"They look better," she heard her mumble quietly as her eyebrows furrowed. No doubt the woman wondered what had happened to her, but she had enough tact not to voice the question. "I'm Lori," she added conversationally, somewhat uncomfortable with the silence. Her eyes then drifted to the bandage that covered part of her collarbone and began to peel back that one as well. Looking at Lori, she wondered why this woman was helping a complete stranger who showed up bleeding and half-dead. It was then she remembered the man in the woods she had come across.

Dirty, rugged, harsh.

He hadn't coddled her upon finding her, that was for sure, but that didn't bother her at all. His blue eyes had squinted at her, studying her broken form as she briefly glanced up at him. His eyes were not that of a wicked man, but they were definitely haunted with something. His brown hair was somewhat uneven and drenched in sweat causing it to cling to his face. She vaguely remembered the light patch of hair that covered his chin and above his lips and she smirked at that. The crossbow he was wielding was not something to mess around with, and he held it comfortably. A hunter. And if the toned arms and the way he moved through the forest was anything to go by, he was most likely a pretty good one.

"Can you lay back?" Lori interrupted her thoughts once more, and she cursed herself. She needed to get her head back in the game and figure out who these people were. Carefully moving herself back down onto her back, she shifted uncomfortably as the woman's hands inched to the bottom of the shirt she was wearing. It was a light blue tank top that clung a bit tightly to her at her breasts, but at least it covered more than her previous tattered remains. Lori looked at her apologetically and with a question of permission in her eyes. She nodded at the woman who then lifted the hem of the shirt and delicately handled the dressing on her stomach.

"We had to stitch this one up," she addressed the reclining woman. "It'll scar," she promised.

"I don't mind. Not like I'm tryin' to impress anyone," she cracked, knowing it was true. Relationships weren't exactly at the forefront of her mind anymore. Not after-

"Looks good," she assured her with a small smile gracing her face at the girl's quip. "How do you feel?" she asked rocking back onto her heels after pulling the shirt back down.

"Like I've been patched back together," she joked, sitting up once more with Lori's help. "I wouldn't mind getting off my butt, though." Lori looked uncertain, but could tell there was no dissuading in her decision as she saw her swing her legs over the edge of the bed. "How long?" she asked.

"A little over two days," Lori responded softly. Letting out a low whistle, she suddenly felt ashamed that these people tended to her for that long. Pushing the embarrassment aside, she mentally prepared herself to stand.Lori stepped back, giving her a wide enough berth to move and get situated back on her feet.

"So far so good," the stranger mumbled once she finally settled after swaying to the side a bit. Lori put a hand up to her mouth to stifle the smile on her lips as the other woman looked down. "Maybe I could borrow some pants," she joked as her cheeks colored when she realized she only had underwear clothing her lower body.

The group had been wary upon meeting her, but not at all unkind. The first person she had met was Shane, who she assumed was the group leader by the air he exuded.

Strong, capable, fierce.

His eyes were curious when they spoke, but his eyes lingered on Lori whenever they could. Something between them, then. But he wasn't the boy's father. They looked nothing alike, and he wore no wedding band. Watching him interact with Carl, she could tell they were close but not related. Still, she struggled to come up with a proper word. Obsessed seemed too strong of a word, but it was obvious he had purposely stayed near the tent Lori had disappeared into for some time while she checked on her patient.

Upon seeing Carl again, she offered him a friendly wink to let him know she wasn't bothered by his visit. He perked up immediately and she was stunned to see that the boy retained some happiness even in such a bleak world.

Her eyes drifted up to an older man standing on top of an RV, and before she could question Lori, two other women approached them, holding a heap of dirty clothes in their arms. Obviously related, she observed the stances of the two. The younger stood loosely, as if she was easy-going and perhaps at one point carefree. Approachable. The older one seemed a bit more alert, and angled her body towards the younger girl as if protecting her. Sisters.That bond was undeniable. The older one, Andrea, had a speckle of dried blood under one of her nails. She smiled kindly at her as she realized she must have helped Lori take care of her. The younger one, Amy, was fairly talkative and she could tell she was someone who liked to make people feel at ease. They had asked Lori if they could get started on her and Carl's clothes, and Lori had assured them she would join them soon.

In the next hour, she allowed Lori to introduce her to some of the people in their camp. Camp.It was so strange to her that there were so many people surviving in one area. She had only been with one person for the past few months, and had never really come across any other survivors. Or at least not many and not for very long.

Carol, Ed and Sophia had been the next people they had run into. Immediately bristling, she did not like Ed in any way.

Irredeemable.

She knew there was nothing good that made this man tick, and her eyes immediately took in his wife and daughter. Carol was so timid and meek. The woman seemed so fragile, and not just because of her size. She knew her husband had everything to do with it, and a big part of her wanted to rip into the man right then and there. Her daughter, Sophia, was very quiet and somewhat afraid to speak to her. However, there was a hint of curiosity that sparked in her eyes when they met. What she didn't realize was that Sophia was drawn to the woman because of her strength. Hardly any conversation transpired between them as Ed simply leered at her and grunted when Lori addressed him. The three were also heading down to the water to do laundry though Ed didn't seem like one to lift a finger to help others. Was it just him enforcing the predatory personality then? Never allowing his wife and child a moment of rest? Clenching her fists at her side, she tried to keep her cool even after they had walked away. She couldn't allow herself to get worked up. Not yet. Not when she wasn't at one-hundred percent.

Lori had led her over to a nearby foldout chair when she noticed the woman began to sway a bit and drift out of the hushed conversations the older woman had with the others. Lori had worried that it become too much too fast for the woman, but the stranger waved off her concern as they sat.

"I'm going to get you some more water," the older woman soothed as she took her leave.

Rubbing her temples, she rested her elbows on her knees and stared at her feet as she realized someone had given her a pair of simple black tennis shoes. It had been a few weeks since she had anything covering her feet, and she suddenly felt like they were suffocating. Slipping them off her heels with her toes, she smiled in satisfaction and wiggled her digits.

"Not a big fan of shoes?" her head slipped up and she had to shield her eyes with her hand as she took in the boy who looked of Korean descent. He had an easily kind smile as he stared at her, with no ulterior motives as he kept his eyes locked on hers.

Innocent, selfless, kind.

"Never really was," she admitted with a shrug of her shoulders, and he watched as she curled her toes in a self-conscious manner. The boy knelt down in front of her and her eyebrows raised at she looked at him questioningly. He held out a bottle of water and a tube. Grasping the tube from his hand, she smiled as she saw that it was Mederma.

"It's to help reduce the scarring," he mumbled in embarrassment as he lifted up the back of his cap and itched a spot gently, his eyes darting from the tube to her face.

"Thank you -?" she paused and looked at him pointedly.

"Glenn," he smiled that easy smile again, with a childish embarrassment seeping through his visage. Before anything else could be said, her eyes shot to the edge of the woods as she heard a faint rustling and a dirty figure emerge. Their eyes locked immediately, and her smile faded as she took in a breath. She didn't even notice that she was standing until Glenn was upright again right in front of her, his eyes following her line of vision. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him tense and noticed that most of the camp had done the same though no one really looked at him directly. She watched the man pause, and it was so brief that no one else noticed unless they were looking for it. A scowl crossed his face as his eyes meandered over to Glenn before he made his way to to the fire and dropped what she assumed to be their dinner.

His eyes flicked over to hers before he stormed off to his tent that was situated far away from the others. Shifting back and forth from one foot to the other, she thought on the idea of whether or not to approach the man. He seemed like his harsh disposition was something not uncommon for him.

"Ah, that's Daryl," Glenn said uncomfortably, and watched him shift his weight. "Doesn't really talk much to anyone," he mumbled, his eyes still staring at the tent. "Him and Merle don't really," he paused, unsure how to continue, "mesh well with the others."

"Merle?" she asked him, tilting her head.

"His brother," he said in a sour tone.

"Questionable character, eh?" she deduced.

"Kind of an understatement," Glenn assured her. "He's an ass."

"Doesn't play well with others," she added with crossed arms as she still stared at the tent. "I've been subjected to plenty of that," she murmured mostly to herself. Making up her mind, she left Glenn's side just as Lori was returning. Both stared after her, not sure how to protest what she was about to do. Knowing that the stranger didn't really seem like one to listen anyway, they decided to stand and watch out of curiosity. The woman paused outside of the tent and was just wondering if she should call out his name or open the flap of his tent. He had, after all, seen her at her worst and formalities seemed pretty silly at this point. At the same time, this man didn't seem like one who would appreciate his privacy being invaded, even on the best of days or for the best of reasons. Deciding to simply stand, she realized that a hunter would have noticed her approach anyway. If he wanted to deal with her, he would make himself known.

The flap was thrown open violently, and she hid a smile. As annoyed as he might pretend to be, she knew he was just as curious. Curious enough to hear her out. He looked at her with irritation clear as day on his face, but she knew better.

"Told ya I wasn't bit," she spoke lightly, rocking back on her heels as she peered up at him through a runaway strand of her slightly auburn hair. He looked down at the strange girl, unsure how to respond. His eyes darted behind her to see Lori and Glenn watching the scene unfold, a bit shocked that he hadn't run her off just yet. He was about to retort, when another voice joined the conversation from inside the tent.

"Wut ya got out there, little brother?"

She noticed that a scowl immediately crossed Daryl's face and he turned as Merle exited from the tent, looking like he had been hit by a truck.

"Go back to bed," Daryl warned him, not meeting his eyes. He didn't have to though because Merle was staring down at the newcomer with a frightening light in his eyes. His dark eyes squinted in much the same way that Daryl's did, and she could see the resemblance immediately. His hair was closer to a buzz cut, and he also had a light spattering of facial hair similar in fashion to Daryl. He was much older though judging by his face and by the greying hair. His thin lips pulled up into a leer as he got a good look at her.

"Well, well, look at you," he spat at her as he began to circle around her like she was his prey. Staying her ground, she instead focused her gaze on Daryl who was watching her in interest. Softly smirking at him, she let her eyes slip back to Merle who came to stand before her once more. Their close proximity should have bothered her, but she had grown accustomed to people invading her private space. "Can't decide which view I like better," he spoke with a vulgar air, and she could almost sense Glenn taking steps forward to put a stop to this discussion as Merle's eyes swept over her once more.

"Wish I could say the same for you, Merle, but you're just not that pretty," she countered, and the footsteps behind her came to an abrupt halt. No one near them breathed as they waited to see what would happen. Lori held onto Glenn's arm as he stumbled backwards in shock once Merle began to cackle at the comment. Daryl stood leaning against the tree with his arms crossed as he watched her with lowered eyes and a corner of his mouth just barely rising.

"Ain't you a little spitfire?" he asked with a shit-eating grin. His voice was not at all similar to Daryl's. Daryl's was low and a bit gruff, whereas Merle's was higher and more raspy. A smoker seemed pretty accurate of a description, and judging by his pallor and the circles around his eyes, he seemed like someone who was awfully familiar with drugs of the illegal sort. "I see ya heard o' me, but wut do they call you?"

"Doesn't matter," she responded, "you're gonna call me what ya will, I'm sure," she admitted honestly.

"I can see myself takin' a shine to ya," he stated, as if she should count herself lucky. His eyes sought out Glenn behind her and his countenance fell as he took in the dark look on the usually cheery face. "Wut you lookin' at, gook?" Immediately, she got toe-to-toe with him just as she slammed her palm into his chest. Though forceful, it was not meant to cause great pain, only to draw his attention back from Glenn. She let her hand linger there for a moment as a warning and his eyes flamed as he looked down at her once more. She could see that he was dangerous, and that he more than likely had violent tendencies, but he pushed it down as his amusement won out.

"Alright, girl, ain't gotta work so hard fer my attention," he joked with her and she fought not to roll her eyes before stepping back. She liked Glenn, and she knew that Merle would be a handful to deal with. She wasn't one for racial slurs, and Merle seemed like someone who dished them out on a daily basis. Luck was on her side today because if he had been in a sour disposition, he wouldn't have let her little stunt slide. Knowing it would be best to not push her boundaries anymore, she began to take her a leave but not without throwing a nod at Daryl who continued to watch with keen eyes.

Thank you, she conveyed for all he had done when he found her. She knew he was a man of few words and preferred others that way. To say it out loud would have, at this point, made things uncomfortable. Before she turned her back on the two brothers, she was pleased when he threw back a curt nod of his own.

Passing by Glenn, she patted him on the shoulder twice to let him know she was okay and his concern was appreciated. Lori stared back at the girl in shock, like it was the first time she had laid eyes on her and didn't quite know what to make of the situation. As she disappeared in the same direction that Andrea and Amy had gone earlier, Glenn turned and looked at Lori with a perplexed expression.

"Hey, what is her name?" he asked, watching as Lori's eyes trailed away from the Dixon brothers and to the ground as her brow lowered. Turning to him, she stared at him, mouth slightly agape and shook her head back and forth. She hadn't a clue.

Running her fingers through her damp hair, she smiled at Jacqui with gratitude once she offered her a towel to help dry it. She had found her way down to the water with no problem and let out a long, wistful sigh as she dipped her head in and let the cool water wash the dirt and grime from hair. She knew she needed to keep water away from her stitches for at least another day, otherwise she would have jumped into the water completely. Since washing her hair, she had taken to listen to the women talk about simple things as they washed clothes. Offering to help, they allowed her to do so with thankful smiles. Doing something normal would help ground her for just a little bit, and she was dying to do something to repay them for their kindness and care.

She genuinely liked this group of women, even if she was on the outside.

Stable, maternal, strong.

Amy continued to lead their chattering as she had an uncanny ability to initiate and continue conversations, which she attributed to the girl's age. Andrea would add her two cents here and there and at times bump shoulders with her younger sibling once they started to let slip details from their younger years. Carol observed them for the most part in silence, but with a small, kind smile gracing her face. She assumed her decision to stay quiet had more to do with the fact that her husband lingered nearby. At times, she could tell that Carol's eyes would light up and she would yearn to spin a tale of her own for the group, but she always thought better of it and kept her voice unheard. Jacqui seemed like a very kind and simple soul, and spent more time observing others than she did speaking. Always offering a smile, she brought a sense of calm to the group. Sophia was absent and she assumed that she was spending time with Carl. Any time away from her father would be helpful to the young girl.

Swinging her attention back to the group as they set the clothes out to dry, she excused herself to head back up to the others as the sky grew darker. Her attachment to these people was an easy and rapid one, and that made things dangerous. She could not stay much longer.

"What do you mean you're leaving?" Glenn followed after her like a lost puppy a day and a half later. "Where will you go?" he questioned her.

"I have to get back to my family," she said in a distant tone.

Lie.

"Your family?" he stopped in his tracks.

"We got separated a couple of days before Daryl brought me here." Another lie. "I know where to meet back up with them though." So many lies. But necessary. Glenn looked at her uncertainly as he digested this new information. It hit him then that he really didn't know anything about her at all. They hadn't really had the opportunity to ask for her name and by the time the next day rolled around, they were too embarrassed to actually ask the sometimes standoffish girl. "I'll be okay," she assured him truthfully. Her eyes lifted to see Dale and Jim standing atop the RV and she smiled slightly at them as they stared down at her with what she assumed were questioning eyes, but she couldn't really tell due to the distance. Her departure wasn't mean to be public, but Glenn had caught her wandering down the road away from the camp.

"So, what, you just leave without saying anything to anybody?"Shrugging, she turned away and continued her path. "It's easier this way."

"For who?" he asked, catching her wrist gently. His eyes were searching hers, but she kept her face painfully blank.

"Ya ain't got family waitin' for ya."

She closed her eyes and tried to calm her breathing as Daryl stepped out from some nearby trees and joined them, his crossbow slung over his shoulder. Glenn stepped back, letting her wrist drop from his grasp.

"You're wrong," she spat out at him and turned on her heel, stalking away from them both. Glenn stayed behind as Daryl shot him a pointed look and strode after the stubborn woman. Catching up to her, he grabbed her bicep firmly and pulled her back to him so she could look into his eyes as he looked down at her. She was automatically reminded of the conversation they had the night before, but she pulled herself back to the present as he studied her.

"You ain't exactly been an open book since ya got here," he growled at her. "You think I believe what ya just told Chinaman?" He had her there. Why exactly would she be so forthcoming with that information when she had been so careful not to divulge anything to them?

Staring up at him darkly, she stood her ground and stepped closer to him.

"I don't expect you to, no. But this doesn't concern you." Shoving him backwards, she ignored the pang of regret she felt. "I'm not your concern. I'm not anyone's concern but my own."

"It is my concern when I carried your ass here," he hollered at her as she turned to leave again. "Stubborn bitch," he mumbled as he turned away to see Glenn still waiting in the background. A part of her wanted to laugh at that. It wasn't the first time anyone had called her that, but it was probably the only time it came from someone's mouth that she didn't loathe. Turning to stare at him, he watched as she had an internal debate.

"Where are you supposed to be meeting your family?" Glenn asked from afar, taking tentative steps towards them.

Daryl watched her with amused eyes as her jaw worked while she thought.

"A safe house we made in Atlanta," she spoke not a moment later and ignored the redneck that watched her with narrowed eyes.

"Perfect," he muttered to her and she looked at him in confusion. "Glenn was just talkin' about goin' there on a supply run tomorrow."

Frozen in disbelief, she stared at him with a fire burning in her eyes as he roped her into a situation she wouldn't be able to find her way out of anytime soon.

"I've been once but it was on my own," Glenn began as his eyes flitted between the two of them. "You're welcome to come with me. If we don't find your folks, you can come back here." His tone was so hopeful and it pulled at her. Daryl lifted his eyebrows at her briefly, taunting her to turn down the boy. "Please," he added and Daryl smirked as he saw her determination crumble at Glenn's final plea.

"Sounds like a plan," she soothed to Glenn who smiled at her and lowered his tensed shoulders in relief. As Glenn turned to head back to camp, she narrowed her eyes at Daryl who watched her and waited. Dropping her gaze, she began to stomp behind Glenn, but not before roughly shoving past Daryl. "Bastard," she mumbled as she allowed her feet to carry her back, and missing the triumphant smirk that Daryl proudly wore.

A/N: Slightly confused? Next chapter will focus on the interactions on the day between her waking up and deciding to leave. I can promise you that she will get a moment with Jim, Dale, and Daryl.